Maine Government News

Back to current news.

Maine DHHS Urges People to Take Advantage of Extra Time to Enroll in HealthCare.gov Coverage

December 17, 2019
Human Services

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the following statement today in response to Monday's announcement by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that open enrollment for HealthCare.gov plans will be extended until 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Open enrollment was originally scheduled to end at midnight on Sunday, December 15, but was extended due to technical issues experienced by consumers trying to enroll.

"This is the last opportunity to sign up for a HealthCare.gov plan for coverage in 2020," said Maine DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. "While eligible Mainers can apply for MaineCare anytime of year, I urge anyone who tried to enroll through HealthCare.gov but hasn't yet selected a plan to try again today. Maine people have affordable, high-quality options for coverage."

Open enrollment for private plans on the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace began Nov. 1, with coverage starting on January 1, 2020. According to one analysis, 59 percent of HealthCare.gov enrollees in Maine can find a plan for $10 or less per month, while 74 percent can find a plan for $75 or less. Benchmark premiums in Maine will drop for the second consecutive year, falling by 6 percent in 2020, following an 8 percent decrease in 2019.

Maine people are eligible for insurance through MaineCare if their annual income is less than $17,236 for a single person or $29,435 for a family of three. Eligible Maine people may enroll in MaineCare at any time of year. Maine people with incomes above the MaineCare threshold but less than $49,960 for a single person or than $85,320 for a family of three may be eligible for lower monthly premiums on the federal marketplace.